It’s less than a week to go until Christmas so, ordering your gifts online is now pretty much a gamble. If the thought of braving the madness shops this weekend makes you want to crawl into a dark hole, fear not – I’ve got some ideas that will hopefully keep you in the festive spirit.

The gifts here are all things that you can buy, right up until Christmas Day. They are organised by interest so, hopefully you’ll be able to find something appropriate for all the people on your list – whatever they fancy!

I spent a wonderful weekend in Liverpool, at the UK’s largest African musical festival, Africa Oyé. This year wasn’t just about soaking up the good music and good vibes (although there was still plenty of that) as I was helping out at the Creativity and Noise + Merkato stall.

It was great to get out of the big city – I love train journeys, exploring new places and taking a breather from the hecticness of London.

I have enormous respect for entrepreneurs who regularly set up at markets and events. It's demanding work!

This is Laura Marano, the lady behind Merkato (fairly traded homeware and fashion accessories). You may remember her from a popular Afri-love interview where she talked about her other venture, Green-Safari.

It was a visual treat checking out what the other vendors had to offer, such as these guords. Right: a Taita basket from Merkato (and the lady who made it!).

I met some fellow Kenyans, Muigai and Anto, who were selling these beaded bangles that had me feeling all patriotic. Kenya and Tanzania represented – perfect!

A wonderful array of colours at Dry Rain, a stall selling Moroccan wares including these leather slippers.

Our neighbouring stall had a massive collection of baskets and other woven goods including these coasters, bangles …

… and mats/rugs.

A funky zebra-print van belonging to a food stall selling all kinds of African game meat, including my beloved crocodile!

Butterfly fridge magnets made from recycled/upcycled flip-flops. From Merkato.

Of course, there was time for dancing.

Me with the Zambians, all representing with our Creativity and Noise tees.

It almost always rains at some point during the Africa Oyé weekend. This year, it didn't! Blue skies and sunshine throughout. What a bonus?!

All geared up and ready for day 2 of the festival.

We got to watch Joe Driscoll and Jally Kebba Susso jamming/warming up early on the Sunday morning. The kora on reggae and hip hop tracks sounds amazing!

As usual, the whole experience was a welcome and wonderful assault on the senses.

One of the things I love about Africa Oyé is that there’s no heavy-handed policing. The police and security presence at this festival is surprisingly minimal – you barely notice them. No gates to walk through where every inch of you is checked, no wall of policemen to intimidate. It just goes to show that if you treat people like human beings, they will act like human beings!

At some point on the Sunday, I found myself feeling a little bit teary. I know this is going to sound corny but, I was overwhelmed by just how beautiful the moment was. All kinds of people – ages, races, abilities; all kinds of random acts of kindness going on; people talking to strangers … real, tangible joy!

I spent Monday hanging out with Lusungu at the Creativity and Noise and Merkato stall at The African Market Bank Holiday Festival, presented by Open the Gate at Old Spitalfields Market. There was entertainment, food and a variety of African and African-inspired art, design and crafts. I got to chat to some of the designer-makers and creative entrepreneurs – it’s always inspiring to be around other creative people!

Enjoy the photos and do check out these great brands and makers. Prepare your senses for a print and colour explosion!

I’m very happy to present you with a guest post from my dynamic friend, Elelta Demissie aka Ellesbells aka TechWench (which is the name of her web development company). Elelta can be found online: blogging on Nothing to Display; experimenting with and sharing recipes on Eat Alicha (including Eritrean-inspired dishes) and; sharing dope mixes on Mixcloud. In real life, you can find her joy running around London and hanging out in radio stations, presenting shows. Phew! (tired yet?). And I thought I had many things going on!

I recently discovered singer/actrees, Selam (Selamawit Worku). Self-described as "just a woman trying to find her sound and voice as an artist", I'm totally feeling the sounds coming from that journey! Enjoy …

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I'm Lulu Kitololo, artist and designer, and Afri-love is about loving yourself and the freedom to be yourself. I hope to inspire and support other African and diaspora creatives to be true to themselves in creating the businesses and lives they want.